Heisman Winner Winston: Alleged Shoplifting a "Terrible Mistake"

Receive the latest sports updates in your inbox

Florida State University quarterback Jameis Winston was cited for shoplifting snow crab legs from a Publix supermarket in Tallahassee, in what the Heisman Trophy winner described as a "terrible mistake."

"In a moment of youthful ignorance, I walked out of the store without paying for one of my items," Winston said in a statement released Wednesday afternoon.

The red-shirt sophomore was issued a civil citation, the Leon County Sheriff's Office said. Winston told deputies that he had forgotten to pay for the food, according to Major Michael Wood of that office.

"He was issued a civil citation, and he has indicated that he has every intention of fulfilling his obligation for the community service hours," Major Wood said.

The attorney for Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston said Thursday that his client and his accuser had a consensual sexual encounter, shortly after a prosecutor said the player will not be charged with sexually assaulting a woman who accused him of raping her about a year ago. Attorney Timothy Jansen said Winston and his parents are “completely satisfied” that the investigation is done. (Published Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013)

Winston, who is also a pitcher for the Seminoles baseball team, was suspended from that team indefinitely, FSU's athletic department said in a statement.

"As a result of his citation last night, we are suspending Jameis Winston from the baseball team. I am confident he will complete his community service obligation and the situation will be resolved soon," the statement read.